Struggling to access credit due to a low credit score? Traditional credit builder cards are often the first thought when you wish to improve your credit history, but they are not the only option. Take a look at Polar Credit’s cardless credit account before you apply for a credit builder card.
At Polar Credit, we provide a cardless credit line (sometimes referred to as a cardless credit card), giving you a flexible, online-only alternative. Borrow just what you need, repay responsibly and rebuild your credit score in a similar way as you would with a physical credit card. As a direct lender we will consider your individual circumstances to assess your ability to repay and improve your credit.
Finding a credit builder card in the UK may not be easy if your credit history is not perfect. Polar Credit’s cardless credit option, a line of credit, allows you to access funds quickly, without relying on traditional banks or credit card providers.
Even with a poor or limited credit score, you can apply for a Polar Credit Line and, if approved, transfer funds to your bank account in minutes. This option provides a flexible way to borrow and gives you an opportunity to demonstrate responsible credit use over time.
A credit builder card is designed for people with poor, limited or bad credit history. These cards usually offer low credit limits, come with high interest rates and require careful management to improve credit.
Polar Credit’s cardless credit card alternative works in a similar way but without the physical card. You can conveniently manage your borrowing online, making it simple and easy to demonstrate good financial behaviour.
With a Polar Credit Line of Credit you can:
A cardless credit line allows you to borrow money when you need it, repay over time and reuse your limit – without a plastic credit card. With responsible borrowing and a track record of making your payments on time, you have an opportunity to gradually improve your credit score.
| Features | Traditional Credit Builder Card | Credit Line |
|---|---|---|
| Cardless credit | No | ✅ Yes |
| Repeat borrowing | Yes, within limit | ✅ Yes, within limit |
| Exceeding Credit Limit | Possible | ✅ Never. We will always keep you within your limit and will never transfer more than you were approved for. |
| Risk of Impulse Buying | Higher | ✅ Lower. The extra step of transferring money to your bank account gives you time to reconsider that purchase. |
| Access to funds | Card transactions | ✅ Instant transfer to UK bank account |
| Builds Credit | Yes, if used responsibly | ✅ Yes, if used responsibly |
Credit builder cards are generally aimed at people with a poor credit history or those who have never used credit before. To qualify, you typically need to be over 18, a UK resident and be able to afford your repayments.
Many of the regular credit card providers will base their creditworthiness decisions based on your current credit score, but at Polar Credit, our eligibility is broader. We consider your individual circumstances and overall financial situation, not just your latest credit score. We want to give you a fair opportunity to build your credit profile with a line of credit.
Using a credit builder card or a cardless credit line option responsibly can positively impact your credit file over time. Key behaviours that help include:
While a traditional credit builder card gives you a small credit limit via a physical card, cardless credit (like Polar Credit’s line of credit) offers the same credit-building benefits in a fully online, flexible format without the hassle of a physical card.
At Polar Credit, we understand that missed payments in the past or limited credit history do not, and should not, define your financial future. Our credit line application process considers your current situation, not just your former financial profile, giving you a chance to rebuild your credit responsibly.
Our online application is fast, transparent, and gives you an immediate decision along with your approved credit limit.
Fill in our online application form, providing us with the details we need to consider your request. You will need to give us your personal information, employment details and figures for your regular income and expenditure.
We will give you an instant decision on whether your application has been successful or not. If approved, we will also provide you with your credit limit details and you can withdraw money to your nominated bank account immediately. If your application is not successful, you can still contact us to discuss your application further. We may need some additional detail from you to consider your circumstances in more detail.
Log in to your online account to make your repayments. Request new funds when you need them, reusing your credit line on an ongoing basis. Use your account responsibly and your credit score should gradually improve over time. We will also review your account regularly and let you know if you are eligible for an increased credit limit too.
Yes. By managing your account responsibly, you may be eligible for higher credit limits. We regularly review accounts and reward customers who make consistent, on-time repayments and can afford further credit.
As well as allowing you to increase your credit limit, responsible use of a Polar Credit Line can strengthen your overall credit profile and make future borrowing easier and cheaper.
If your Polar Credit online application was not approved, don’t panic. Contact us to review your application manually. We may be able to suggest steps to improve eligibility for your cardless credit account in the future or we may request further information from you to help us further consider the current application.
At Polar Credit, we are committed to responsible lending. We will only approve an application from a creditworthy customer who passes our affordability assessment. We understand that financial circumstances can change and we will treat every application fairly with transparency.
Living with poor credit history is often already stressful and further borrowing can lead to a new cycle of debt. We are here to help you gradually rebuild your credit score with responsible lending decisions, but taking a new credit product is not always the best option.
We also encourage you to seek free, independent advice from reputable UK organisations including:
Our aim is to help you borrow responsibly and rebuild your credit profile gradually, leading to easier access to credit and more affordable borrowing options in the longer term.
A credit builder card is a credit card designed for people with limited or poor credit. Responsible use helps improve your credit score. There are also cardless credit alternatives available such as Polar Credit’s Credit Line.
A cardless credit line is a digital alternative to a credit card – borrow online, repay flexibly and reuse your limit. Money is transferred from your credit line account to your nominated bank account rather than carrying out transactions via a physical credit card.
Yes, Polar Credit can help you rebuild your credit score. On-time repayments and responsible usage can gradually improve your credit profile. For the best chance of improving your credit score, ensure that you only borrow what you can afford to repay and make sure that you repay on time, every time.
You can use free UK services online to check your credit score, such as Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, ClearScore or Credit Karma.
Yes. Polar Credit’s cardless credit line is a flexible, responsible borrowing option to help you rebuild your credit.